Industry reporter NEIL HODGSON speaks to the developers about their visions.

Industry reporter NEIL HODGSON speaks to the developers about their visions.

THESE are the Fourth Grace designs which could establish Liverpool as an undisputed international city in its own right.

The four bidders have fine-tuned their designs from the initial images produced in August and will go on public display from tomorrow at the city's Walker Art Gallery.

And local builder David McLean, who has teamed up with Liverpool developer George Downing on their massively revamped proposal, says: "Liverpool will be the finest city outside London once again - and in time for its 800th birthday. There's no doubt that our proposals will provide the sort of boost other cities crave.

"Our plans will help Liverpool leapfrog over the competition to another level. The growth the city is currently enjoying will be turbocharged and the benefits in terms of jobs, profile and image will be significant."

The impressive McLean proposal, designed by architect Edward Cull-inan, is in stark contrast to their original submission and includes a 1,000-seat performance and conference space they call The Globe which they say will enhance Liverpool's bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2008.

Developer George Downing says: "This is no pipedream. As a Liverpudlian I want to be able to look my friends and family in the eye, so when I say something can be done, it can be."

They predict more than 600 building jobs will be created as well as almost 1,700 new jobs when it opens in 2008.

Another striking departure from the original design submitted in August is the Sir Norman Foster bid, together with Liverpool developer Urban Splash.

The Ark is a huge glass development which Sir Norman envisages will jut out over the Mersey in the form of a glass prow and will reflect the magnificence of the neighbouring Liver Buildings and Albert Dock.

Ken Shuttleworth, the partner responsible for the design, says: "Combining visionary new buildings and dynamic public spaces with facilities for work, living and leisure, the development will bring life, visitors and vitality to the Pier Head round the clock."

Sir Richard Rogers' futuristic design was one of the favourites back in August and, apart from moving the two 20-storey and 30-storey towers forward to sit on the Pier Head, it has remained true to its original design.

He says: "The Fourth Grace is a fantastic opportunity to build on Liverpool's heritage.

"Creating a dynamic addition to the waterfront, the scheme will act as a catalyst for the city's ongoing regeneration, a symbol of Liverpool's future as a vibrant city for the 21st century."

His scheme's public space, including a 2,500-seat arena, museum space as well as cafes and restaurants, is covered by a sweeping roof draped behind the two towers which sweeps down from the height of the neighbouring Port of Liverpool building to the Albert Dock.

"When lit at night, the great translucent roof will provide a great wave of light rolling from the Port of Liverpool building to Albert Dock," says Sir Richard.

Perhaps the most controversial original design was the Will Alsop scheme, in partnership with Liverpool developer Neptune.

The 'city on stilts' is now a 'cloud' hovering over the Pier Head.

"For us, this is what the Fourth Grace should represent," says Mr Alsop.

"Only a genuinely daring design will succeed in revivifying the spirit of Liverpool and capturing the imagination and attention of an

international audience.

"In view of the city's short-listing as European Capital of Culture the role of the Fourth Grace has assumed additional importance. It should be a 21st century place for all at the waterfront," he adds.

He says the spaceship-like cloud will be the central icon of the scheme, decorated with hieroglyphics of Liverpool's 800-years of history and changing as visitors move around inside it.

Ian Woodward, from the International Development Company which is part of the Alsop bid, says: "Our scheme is challenging Liverpool. The Alsop consortium believes

Liverpool is ready to take the lead and be ahead of the curve.

"Our Fourth Grace is an outstanding gesture, demonstrating to the world that Liverpool is once again the place to be."

Models and displays of the four final schemes vying for the contract to build the Fourth Grace go on public view at the Walker, in William Brown Street, from tomorrow until November 17.

Liverpool Vision is expected to announce the winner before the end of the year.